How much does it cost to hire an architect to custom build a home?

Question

I am looking into eventually custom building a home, and I have read in a few sources that to get the unique kind of designs I am looking at I will have to hire an architect. Whats a rough estimate on how much they cost for a residential project?

Answer 1

It really depends on what you're looking for.  In Brendan's case, (3-1/2 weeks to design a home), those type of projects are what we refer to as McMansions or Track home on Steroids.  Although the developer/ designer/ builder will sell these as "Custom" or "Semi-Custom", they are merely regurgitated versions of the same floor plan with room add on here and there (referred to as architectural features).  Their design intent relies on sheer mass to equate grandeur.  In this process, these projects lack any originality, finesse and sensitivity to aesthetics or scale.

Hiring an architect can be expensive depending on where the project is located.  Typically, an architect will charge somewhere from $10/s.f. and up if the house is 5000sf or bigger.  It will cost you more per s.f. for smaller projects.

If you like the look of the McMansions, you can either go directly to the builder or to Barnes and Noble bookstore and look through magazines that sale pre-made plans.  You can also hire a designer to come up with something for you, but it won't be that different from the pre-made plans.  Just remember that a designer cannot be held liable for negligence for the work he performs, so buyer beware.

Answer 2

my neighbors hired a team of construction for like 10grand and it took them like 3 1/2 weeks! kinda a pricey way though but i live in a rich neighborhood